A jock, a journalist and a second chance . . .MacKenzie Decker was a question Avery never got to ask, much less answer.They met when she was a young reporter fueled by ambition, and the ink on Deck’s first NBA contract was barely dry. Years later, they’ve climbed so high and lost so much, but one thing hasn’t changed. The attraction that simmered between them in a locker room before is still … before is still there. With success like theirs, everything has been possible . . . except them.
That was then.
But what about now?
more
Okay, I have a little bit of a confession: I don’t think I’m a Christmas romance kind of reader. I want to give that confession to you from the outset so that you will recognize WHY I love Hoops Holiday by Kennedy Ryan. Why I believe you NEED this book for yourself.
I guess I should also acknowledge that Kennedy Ryan is one of my top 5 favorite authors (possibly even my top 3 — It’s hard to say because those top spots are constantly in flux). Given all of my confessions (which should note my bias), I want you to know why this holiday novella is a MUST READ:
This book offers the continuing story of Iris and August and Banner and Jared. You receive more epilogue to their stories, and, I don’t know about you, that is oxygen in my lungs. Long Shot and Block Shot are two of my favorite romance books of all time. Gaining more information about their stories (as we lead up to Kenan and Lotus’s story) is my oxygen. And Ryan does NOT disappoint. These two epilogues are Austenian in nature (I’m a HUGE Jane Austen fan, so this is a compliment to Kennedy Ryan) with their happily-ever-after, everyone gets married, and life is wonderful. Even if you don’t want to read “Full Court Press” about Deck and Avery’s story, you will want the “stocking stuffers” of the other couples. Trust me.
I didn’t read “Team Player,” the older version of the now-titled “Full Court Press.” I wish I had read it earlier so I could note the changes. But it doesn’t matter. What I will say is this story is necessary for this Hoops world. I was vaguely curious about Deck and Avery in Long Shot. While reading this story, I stopped reading it and jumped back to Long Shot to see this couple in action in August’s story. I love them.
In our time, when mental health issues are gaining more notice and traction, this story is necessary. It is difficult to understand the dilemma of people with mental health. For people who live with others who struggle with it, knowing what actions to take is difficult. Kennedy Ryan sheds light on this, along with the guilt and betrayal that others feel in the wake of tragedy related to mental health. My heart was pulled throughout this story between Deck and Avery. What was most important, though, was the compassion rife between the pages.
3. Deck is E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G in this story. He is not an August or Jared, but he is compassionate and thoughtful and self-sacrificing, all qualities attractive in a book hero. Coupled with the strength and tenacity of Avery, the story’s heroine, this is a power couple, a standard in a Kennedy Ryan book.
If you’re like me, and you love the Hoops universe, then you MUST, I repeat, MUST get this novella. It is another layer of decadence in the Hoops World, and it will be one of the best Christmas gifts you give yourself this year.
Overall: 5-stars up high
The Hoops series by Kennedy Ryan has been one of my top favorite of 2018, so when I saw Hoops Holiday was coming, I was so excited. This was originally published in the Team Player Anthology, but now includes additional content! A must-read for sure!
This was a standalone novella featuring a different couple and could be read on its own, however, I highly recommend this series. This was a quick, sexy and fun read that I truly loved reading. Avery and Deck were great characters and I loved their story so much! They had amazing chemistry and such a sweet second chance romance!
I absolutely loved reading Hoops Holiday by Kennedy Ryan and all the additional content that was added! A must-read for all the Hoops series fan and sport romance lovers!
4.5 stars! Read and reviewed for Reviews From The Heart!
Happy reading!
The best Christmas gift ever! I loved Decker and Avery’s story. It was perfectly sweet and sexy. Their connection and attraction sizzled from the start. I loved every word of their journey. The peaks into August & Iris and Jared & Banner’s lives were added gifts. I really adore this whole group of characters. They are wonderful, heartfelt and fun to read about. I will always look forward to more.
It was sooo good to read Decker and Avery again!! I had read their story in Team Player before I had started this series. I love that they got their own side story. From the death of Avery’s fiancé to Decker’s issues with his ex, there was no shortage of drama, and it was awesome! And man we can’t forget the constant sparks between Avery and Decker!!! I love them so much, I love how relentless he was and how he truly helps her heal
Then we have Long Shot stocking stuffer. HALLELUJAH!!! I needed more of these couples so badly. This just might tie me over until we get more of Lo and Keenan. The secret we find out in the beginning is THE BEST! I absolutely love the heat and devotion between these two. And seeing August with Sarai is the cutest damn thing! And of course we have the tension between Lo and Keenan. My favorite line was “I think he’s magnificent.” These two give me a headache, in the best possible way!
And lastly our amazing short about Banner and Jared. The amazingness and surprises just kept coming!!! These two are on a whole different level than his brothers family. These two are dirty and raw, I love it so much!!! And of course seeing Zo and Graciella is always interesting. I loved the little twists and turns.
We got so much from these three short stories! It is AMAZING what Kennedy can do with words
Sigh, I just love this authors writing! The details are impeccable and I always feel like I’m living the story too! Deck and Avery’s story is packed full even though it is a novella. I loved it!
Kennedy did it again!!!!! No matter if is a novella, a series or just a short story KR always delivers the right amount of angst and love to her characters making us fall in love with her stories..
Hoops Holiday is a novella of love and hope, it’s the perfect story for this time of the year.
Avery a successful journalist. her past keeps lurking around, making her somehow emotionally unable.. she only has time for her career.. but life is about to change her dreams and priorities, they will never be the same, nothing has prepared her for this, for him, the only one who can save her from her own fears..
Decker is a basketball player that is not looking for anything at the moment, his priorities, are his career and his daughter. He is tall, handsome, with a body to die for.. he is Dominant and protective especially of those he loves and cares for. but underneath of all, he has a heart of gold ready to be unleashed..
“If last night was my only hit, she’s a high I might chase the rest of my life”
One of the things that I really love about KR stories is that she always writes her heroes to be gentlemen, gentlemen who know how to woo and love their heroines, Deck is not the exception, he is a gentleman knowing when to give Avery time, knowing they both needed to take things slow as life was guiding them. treating her always with respect and love.
“The time may not be right, but we feel right, Ave. tell me you see how right we feel toghether”
Deck and Avery’s story is about patients, love, and understanding and you could feel that every time they were together. The chemistry between Deck and Avery was off the charts no matter the circumstances you could always feel the need, the connection between them..
“We’ve both had suffering mixed in with love. We’ve loved and lost and were never satisfied. But I’m satisfied with her, and I see in her eyes that she’s satisfied with me. We both have past and we’ve both had pain, but what we’ve never had was each other. But now we do.”
Overall this was everything I needed for my holiday’s love, patience, hope and two characters that brought so much Joy.
Hoop Holiday also includes bonuses featuring August and Iris from Long Shot and Jared and Banner from Block Shot.
both bonuses are to die for.. so many great new moments for these amazing characters and also we get to see more on what’s to come in the HOOPS Series!
I can’t wait for HOOK SHOT!!!
Kennedy Ryan and her amazing storytelling. Even in a novella, her emotional and deeply powerful words are for a novella to feel like a full novel. A second chance romance – Two people who meet in a locker room, the NBA Star, Decker and the reporter, Avery. But life has a way of not being the right time…..but 10 years later, the time just might be right. But time and life has a way of making romance difficult. The author creates a story that is fully deep and emotional. The discovery of love between Decker and Avery is a slow burn, full of sexual tension and eventually blissful love.
And to add an extra cherry on this already delicious holiday sundae, new Long Shot and Block Shot material are featured at the end of Full Court Press novella. Getting more Iris and August and Banner and Jarred was scrumptious and devine. They bring a full court smile to an already smiling face.
I loved Avery and Decker when I first met them in the Team Player anthology and I love them even more now after reading Full Court Press again! The extra content and epilogue were amazing and Kennedy Ryan can write one hell of a novella! This may not be a full length novel, but it plays out just like one and will bring the reader to wonderful highs and heartbreaking lows. It is so well thought out and a brilliant slow burn second chance romance. The raw honesty was captivating and readers will fall head over heels for Decker and Avery. They have such incredible chemistry and I loved the build up and the will they/won’t they back and forth. So much in life is about timing and it has never lined up for these two until now. Let’s just say it’s worth the wait! This is such a beautiful and emotional journey that is heartfelt and truthful.
Probably my favorite part of the Hoops Holiday novella though are the bonus chapters/scenes for both Long Shot and Block Shot! I loved both these books so much and having this extra slice of August and Iris as well as Jared and Banner was incredible! We even get a little taste of Kenan and Lotus too!! I can’t wait for their story next in Hook Shot! Both of these extended epilogues are the perfect snapshots into our favorite couples lives and futures. I loved catching up with all of these characters and the cameo by Zo left me with a huge smile on my face. Not to mention they were smoking hot!!! (Jared is just YUM!) Thank you Kennedy Ryan for this sweet and sexy holiday gift!
Beautiful, Short and Heartwarming
Quote ~ ~ If last night was my only hit, she’s a high I might chase the rest of my life. ~ ~
Yes this is a novella. A novella written by such a talented author that doesn’t just give you ALL The FEELS for the heart she also gives food for thought and I absolutely love that about her.
Quote ~ ~ I didn’t understand that it wasn’t that easy for him. That it wasn’t about trying. It was deeper than that. For him it was harder than that. Maybe he was trying until he just couldn’t try anymore. ~ ~
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
OMG! I love
August & Iris
We get a peek of where they are now and it is fabulous. #swoon
Jared & Banner
We also get a bit more of them and they are close to my heart again! #Janner luv them
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Hoops Holiday is sweet and heart warming perfection!! I am beyond thrilled that Ms. Kennedy wrote this novella as it was everything I wanted and more. I truly adored Deck and Avery as they had undeniable chemistry and their story was a wonderful page turner. The Long Shot (August and Iris’ story) and Block Shot (Jared and Banner’s story) bonus content made this fantastic novella even better!! I missed these unforgettable couples and it felt so good to be back in their world.
Whether Ms. Kennedy writes a full length book or novella, her stories are always filled with so much depth, passion and meaning. Hoop Holiday was no exception as it is a beautiful, romantic and well written novella that I highly recommend reading.
Kennedy wrote the novella with many emotions… the connection between the couples were deep, charming sexual tension and heartfelt. I have sensed the struggle, self-doubt, and emotional mix feelings through the story.. Every journey were personal and unique…
I was secretly hoping for more stories from this series… The couple had move on with their life and career.. The stories had brought up the challenges from each couples. Kennedy had written the story with a thoughful mind.. I can dive into the book so easy and smooth.
Review of Full Court Press
Mack and Avery met ten years prior. A mutual attraction drew them together, but the timing wasn’t right. Life and the drive to succeed in their respective careers, left no room to dedicate to more.
Avery is a strong woman. The last year of her life has been one of the toughest. Losing her fiance was devastating. She’s working through her guilt and her grief.
Mack’s career ended when an injury took him out of the game for good. Now he’s a commentator and Avery’s new co-host.
Now Mack’s ready to get what he’s patiently waited for…the right time to finally make Avery his. However, she’s still working on healing from her previous relationship. Mack’s everything she needs to help her heal and move forward.
A connection like theirs can’t be ignored. This is a story of healing, patience to get what you’ve been waiting for and ultimately ending up with the love that you deserve. The author tells a story of heartbreak and love. I enjoy all her words and this story was perfect. Mack and Avery were always meant to be, the timing just had to be right.
A fantastic novella! Deck’s and Avery’s story grabs you from the start and hooks you until the end. Their chemistry is off the charts scorching hot!! Add in more of August and Iris, and Jared and Banner’s stories, and it’s like all the cherries on top of a sundae. I highly recommend this read.
This book was perfection. I first read about Avery and Decker in the Team Player anthology. Their story sucked me in so quickly and had me wanting more more more. Kennedy then delivered Long Shot and Block Shot, which are in the same Hoops world as Full-Court Press. This rerelease and extended epilogue was just what I needed! Avery and Decker’s story is second-chance, enemies-to-lovers greatness. It’s off-the-charts sexy and hot. But the backstories of both characters make it really deep as well. This book will give you “the feels”. You’ll love it!
The extended content for Long Shot was so so dreamy. August and Iris at their finest!! Kennedy writes amazing sexy scenes, and these two together were fire. The extra bits about Kenan and Lotus from her upcoming release Hook Shot had me squealing!!
The extended content for Block Shot had me panting, laughing, and near tears. I love Jared so much. He’s by far one of my top book boyfriends of all time!!! He made me swoon all the swoons. And Banner was her brilliant self! As short of a story as it was, Kennedy jammed it full of so much detail I had to go read it a second time.
This special Hoops Holiday definitely brought holiday “JOY”.
The perfect read for a winter night. Nothing more perfect than having one of Kennedy’s books to cuddle in your cozy corner with a hot chocolate on Christmas time. Hoops Holiday is a sweet, sexy, sassy, passionate and heartwarming second chance romance. Like everyone of Kennedy’s books it will MAKE YOU FEEL. It might be a short story but comes with the right amount of impact to make you ache, love and swoon. Like always she touches a delicate topic with so much heart. I couldn’t be happier with this book.
This short story revolves around Mackenzie Decker ( Decks) and Avery Hughes. Decker been an ex- baller, soon to be Hall of Famer while Avery is a sport journalist.
Decker is confident, sexy, strong and sure of what he wants, Avery.
Avery is not ready to jeopardize all her hard work to fool around with any athlete. She has work too hard in gaining respect in a male dominated industry. That said, they can’t denied their strong alluring chemistry. If you want to know more you just have to grab your copy. What’s the fun if I tell you all about the book. Just know is FANTASTIC.
Another amazing thing about Hoops Holiday is that you will have more from August and Iris, Jared and Banner ( MY FAVORITE HEROINE FROM KENNEDY’S BOOKS) and some some from Kenan and Lotus ( her next couple).
Hoops Holiday is a novella, but don’t let that fool you. Kennedy Ryan knows how to write books with substance no matter how many pages. I made a connection with the characters and the story line didn’t feel rushed.
They say timing is everything and that couldn’t be more true in Avery and Deck’s case. When Avery and Deck first met, she was just starting out in a male dominated world as a reporter for the NBA. Deck was an up and coming superstar who didn’t have a care in the world. There was a spark between these two from the start, but the timing was never right. Through the years, their paths crossed, but they were with other people. 10 years and a whole plane full of baggage later, they are brought together again. However, that doesn’t mean the timing is right as Avery has been through hell and is closed off to men. Question is, can Deck break through that wall she surrounds herself with?
Decker and Avery have so much chemistry! It is such a slow burn I was just waiting for them to combust!
Not only do you get Deck and Avery’s story with Hoops Holiday, you get bonus content from August and Iris (Long Shot) and Banner and Jared (Block Shot). All three of these couples are incredible and getting another glimpse at some of my favorite couples is just the thing I needed. I envy the love and devotion they have for one another!
I feel like I’ve come home for the holidays and caught up with all of my dearest friends. We sat by the fire and shared all our wonderful news. It can’t get more perfect than that.
Three Kennedy Ryan stories in one! Just what I wanted in my stocking.
Full Court Press is a novella originally published in the Team Player anthology. I loved it as much now as I did then. It’s no simple story. There’s the undeniable attraction at the wrong place, wrong time. Over the years the attraction is heightened with each glimpse. When fate places Avery and Decker together the timing is still wrong. But the connection is real.
These two characters are the real thing. Their story encompasses years. Loss and sadness run soul deep. Hope and love seem unattainable through the murky waters of loss. Hope, love and happiness will keep their connection until the time is right.
Long Shot Stocking Stuffer-This is a delicious bonus because it’s more Gus and Iris. You must have read their full story in Long Shot to truly enjoy the bonus. The love, the passion, the devotion. It’s all there and leaps off the pages and I to my heart. Sarai is their beautiful little Angel, but there is a sweet surprise for Christmas for the West family!
And the taste of Kenan’s interest in Lotus from afar is amusing and enticing. Lotus seems to be running from him and there is definitely a story there. Soon to come in Hook Shot!
Block Shot Stocking Stuffer-Ah, Jared and Banner. She is so good for him. She’s strong and full of love and he knows she is his entire world. She’s who he comes home to every night, but he knows she’s hurting. Zo and Gracie have wonderful news. Gus and Iris are radiating happiness and light. She is all he needs but he knows she wants more.
A library full of books, the New Year’s Eve countdown, stolen passionate moments with Banner, and they ring in the New Year with the most wonderful gift imaginable. Everything is better with her. It’s pure joy.
Kennedy Ryan write characters that are genuine. Their struggles are real. They could be your best friends. You hurt and laugh with them. It’s real life.
It’s time to grab Hoops Holiday and catch up with friends, because it’s been a while since we’ve been all together. You, me, Mack and Avery, Gus and Iris (and Sarai, of course), and Jared and Banner.
Kennedy Ryan sure knows how to pack a punch. It doesn’t matter the length of the story – you get all the emotions and fantastic storytelling no matter what. The writing is always flawless, characters complex, scenes steamy and love is most definitely in abundance.
Hoops Holiday includes Full Court Press, a novella, featuring the romantic, but not always easy, story of MacKenzie Decker and Avery Hughes. There may be less words than what you would get with a full length novel but it doesn’t feel that way. The characters are still deep and lovable.
It also includes bonuses featuring August & Iris from Long Shot and Jared & Banner from Block Shot.
Hoops Holiday is just in time for the holiday season with enough warmth to get you through. One can never go wrong with the writing of Kennedy Ryan.
Awwwwww this book is so sweet, it’s like a toffee fudge sundae with extra caramel sauce.
I first read Full Court Press as part of the Team Player anthology. The re-read made me remember how much I loved Avery and Deck. She’s the ambitious sports journalist, a woman in a man’s world. He’s the cocky player she says no to. But the yes must come!
After all that Avery/Decker happiness along comes August and Iris. It’s a short, sweet update with a little tease of more to come. Lotus is a feisty madam, can’t wait for more of her sass.
And finally the beautiful Banner and Jared. Her body clock is tick, tick ticking. I just love how they can’t keep their hands off each other.
I’m full of love and joy!
Avery and Decker’s connection is obvious to anyone. When I first was introduced to them in Long Shot I could already tell they had chemistry in spades. How they acted around one another and looked at each other only made me want to know their story even more.
In Hoops Holiday I finally got Avery and Decker’s story and it’s filled with lust, attraction, loss and pain. I enjoyed every interaction between them. Just waiting for them to pounce on one another but it wasn’t that easy. They both come with baggage, one more painful than the other. It’s not easy to accept the loss and move on but Avery tries because of Decker and he’s a patient man. For Avery cause she’s worth it. This novella about this couple delivered on all accounts.
The stocking stuffers are just an added bonus to Avery and Decker’s story. They add more to the Long Shot and Block Shot universe. I was salivating while reading. Enjoying every word from Kennedy Ryan and making me crazy with want for Lotus and Kenan’s upcoming story. Yes, they are called stocking stuffers but it felt like so much more. Another layer to these awesome couples in the Hoops family. This was truly an early Christmas present.
5 Content Stars